Pure Michigan Surges on Social Media

LANSING – Whether you like it, tweet it, pin it or hashtag it, Pure Michigan is expanding its social media fan-base, surpassing 400,000 Facebook fans and 500,000 eNewsletter subscribers in August. Pure Michigan is also expanding its presence into new social media platforms, including Instagram, Pinterest and Google+.

Pure Michigan continues to be one of the top-ranked state tourism agencies, with Think Social Media naming it the second-best social media presence among all state destination marketing agencies in the nation.

“Social media is a terrific opportunity to share the events, destinations and natural beauty Michigan has to offer, while also providing a forum for people to share their Pure Michigan experiences,” said George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Our fans are incredibly active and we are constantly looking for new ways to engage with them and promote Michigan as a top destination here in the United States.”

In addition to regular updates from Travel Michigan, the Pure Michigan Facebook page allows fans to have conversations about destinations and events across Michigan and post their Pure Michigan photos and experiences. Pure Michigan also launched a new Facebook app in May that allows fans to include images from the award-winning campaign in their Facebook timeline, Twitter, desktop, iPad or mobile backgrounds.

The Pure Michigan eNewsletter includes ideas to help plan Michigan getaways, including festival and event highlights, special promotions from featured destinations, deals, packages and shopping trips and a run-down on seasonal outdoor activities. During the recent Pure Michigan 400 Roush Mustang sweepstakes 59 percent of people who registered to win the Mustang also chose to opt-in to the Pure Michigan eNewsletter, for a total of 39,046 new subscribers.

Breaking ground with a strong presence on Google+ and Instagram Pure Michigan is leading the way in newer platforms as well. Pure Michigan boasts 94,000 fans on Google+, up from 54,000 in July. In a recent Google+ Hangout between NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, crew chief Paul Wolfe and Pure Michigan, fans were able to submit questions via Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and the Pure Michigan blog and watch Keselowski and Wolfe respond in real time. The Hangout was also reposted to the Pure Michigan Connect blog and on its social channels. This was the first Google+ Hangout of its kind held by any state tourism agency.

Pure Michigan holds the number one state tourism spot on Instagram with more than 3,600 followers since its launch in July. To further facilitate fan interaction, Pure Michigan will turn its Instagram account over to a fan from the Instagram community who will serve as the official Pure Michigan Instagram photographer for the Pure Michigan 400 on August 19 at Michigan International Speedway.

The Pure Michigan Twitter and Pinterest accounts also have strong followings, with nearly 34,000 followers on Twitter and the number two state tourism Pinterest page. Additionally, michigan.org continues to be the most visited state tourism website in the country.

Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, markets the state’s tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services. For Michigan travel news and updates, go to michigan.org.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation serves as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, with on focus on helping grow Michigan's economy. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: MichiganAdvantage.org.